Hormone replacement therapy and non-gynaecological cancers
Sindhu Sekar, Bid KumarHormone replacement therapy (HRT) in cancer survivors gives rise to many uncertainties. The British Menopause Society has recently produced guidance on prescription and use of HRT amongst gynaecological cancer survivors.
Background
There is lack of knowledge and awareness about HRT use in non-gynaecological cancer survivors. The decision to advocate or discourage HRT in such women depends on various factors, including cancer type, hormone sensitivity, and individual patient characteristics. The paucity of available good quality clinical evidence and epidemiological data leads to lack of consensus in such cases. This article aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the existing literature pertaining to HRT use in non-gynaecological cancer survivors.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a literature review. A systematic review was not possible because of lack of good quality research. We excluded case reports.
Results
A total of 55 papers were identified and all of these have been referenced. We have presented the inconsistencies and uncertainties in the evidence available from the limited information available from cohort studies.
Conclusion
Prescription of HRT in cancer survivors of many hormone dependent non-gynaecological cancers needs careful consideration of histology of the cancer and consideration about liaison with the concerned oncology team.